This week, we’re taking a look at the ways people use music to promote environmental peace. I was quite surprised to learn about some of the unique ways people transform scientific information and environmental statistics into something beautiful that we can feel. This is something that’s at the core of the Songs for World Peace (SWP). We are a global initiative driven by heart and passion and we believe that music can deliver the message of climate change in a way that helps people “feel” why it's important to take action. Keep reading to discover the unique ways people use music to raise awareness about environmental peace, along with SWP updates for this year.
In 2019, atmospheric scientist Judy Twedt gave a Ted Talk about the powerful connection between music and environmental data. In her talk, Twedt explained how we need to find new creative ways to raise awareness about climate change because the amount of environmental data is so vast that it makes people feel anxious and overwhelmed. She also stressed that it’s difficult to “feel” statistics and numbers and that we are more likely to remember something if it evokes strong emotions in us. This is what prompted Twedt to turn her environmental data into music notes that can be played on a piano, which provided a haunting and dramatic way to illustrate the changes happening to arctic sea ice. An equally powerful piece was created by geoscientist and musician Hirota Nagai, who turned satellite data from the Arctic and the Antarctic into a six-minute orchestral piece that encourages listeners to feel the way the environment has changed over the last 30 years.
The innovative ways these individuals have chosen to present climate issues to the public allow us to feel climate change on a more emotional level. This emotional understanding gives us the opportunity to relate more with the issues being presented, which is more effective than reading a bunch of statistics or words on a screen. At SWP, we aim to do the same by releasing powerful songs from our talented and passionate artists that allow listeners to feel how environmental struggles affect global peace. We hope to draw attention to urgent issues around the world by giving others the chance to share their experiences with us.
This year, the Finale Song 2024 produced by SWP in collaboration with Plant and Care For Peace will focus on environmental peace and will be released on The International Day of Peace (September 21st). Please join us in fostering peace and environmental awareness as we lead up to our song release and Panel Discussion on The International Day of Peace on September 21st. Enjoy our past Finale Songs and panel discussions on our YouTube channel.
Written by Michelle Karth
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